Devil in a Blue Dress Chapters 6-10 Flashcards

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Dupree Bouchard: Easy's friend, large figure in a white suit, boyfriend to Coretta, struggles with rent despite being a skilled machinist.
Mouse: Former friend of Easy, small stature but dangerous; capable of violence and duality in behavior—switching from aggression to normalcy.
Coretta James: Dupree's girlfriend, flirts with Easy; met Daphne during a shared outing, characterized by her scent of jasmine.
EttaMae Harris: Mouse’s wife, involved in a complicated relationship dynamic.

Locations and Context

116th Street: Easy's home location, offering views of the San Bernardino mountains.
Playroom: A bar where key social interactions occur, particularly involving Daphne and her boyfriend.
Santa Monica Pier: Meeting point designated by Albright for Easy.
Fifth Ward, Houston: Easy's childhood neighborhood, described as wild and violent.

Notable Events and Correspondence

Mail Encounter: Easy discovers a chain letter threatening his life, and a scented blue envelope from Mouse, indicating their ongoing connection.
Mouse's Letter: Reveals Mouse's ejection from his home and urgency to reconnect with Easy; includes threats and familial details.

Key Themes and Psychological Elements

Fear and Bravery: Easy's fear dissipates in Mouse's presence due to Mouse's overwhelming confidence.
Transition from War: Easy reflects on a combat experience in D-Day that shaped his understanding of violence and survival.
Lifestyle Contrast: Life in Houston viewed as aimless and familiar versus the fast-paced money-driven culture of LA.

Criminal Elements and Tension

Mouse’s Inheritance Scheme: Involves theft and potential violence, revealing complex family dynamics and criminal entanglements.
Confrontation with Police: Easy's arrest by officers Bill Miller and Charlie Mason showcases racial tensions and power dynamics between law enforcement and the protagonist.

Miscellaneous Facts

Cultural References: The song "Two Lonely People" plays during a key moment, enhancing the atmosphere.
Conversations of Marginality: Discussions around Hardships depicted through Easy’s daily interactions and reflections on his employment experiences.
Mouse's Actions: His past violence, including stabbing and threatening indications, intertwines with Easy’s narrative, emphasizing the perilous nature of their world.

Symbolism and Significant Objects

Dead Mouse Incident: Highlights the brutal environment inside the prison and symbolizes an ongoing cycle of violence.
Money and Criminality: Easy receives $300 from Mouse, reflecting moral dilemmas associated with survival and complicity in crime.

Conflict and Resolution Tensions

Intricacies of Loyalty: Easy struggles with loyalty to Mouse amid criminal activities and adverse consequences.
Struggle for Identity: Characters navigate their backgrounds and relationships while seeking their places in society, often conflicting with their pasts.

Description

This quiz covers key characters and important terms from chapters 6 to 10 of 'Devil in a Blue Dress'. Use it to reinforce your understanding of the narrative and relationships between characters like Easy, Dupree, and Mouse. Perfect for students looking to deepen their comprehension of the text.